A “bong plant” refers to repurposing a glass bong into a planter for houseplants, transforming the object into unique home decor. This creates an unexpected aesthetic, combining functional gardening with an artistic display, and serves as a conversation piece within a living space.
Why Use a Bong as a Planter
A bong planter offers a distinctive aesthetic and focal point. Its transparent or colored glass and intricate designs provide unique visual appeal, allowing for personal expression by blending natural elements with a repurposed object.
Repurposing bongs for planters aligns with sustainability by extending material lifecycles, transforming discarded items, reducing demand for new goods, offering an eco-conscious decorating approach. It also makes a natural conversation starter.
The unique shape and enclosed nature of some bongs can create a microenvironment, similar to a terrarium, which helps maintain higher humidity advantageous for moist-loving species. For limited spaces, a bong planter offers a compact solution for small plants.
Preparing Your Bong for Planting
Thorough cleaning is the first step. Rinse with hot water to dislodge debris, then use coarse salt and rubbing alcohol for stubborn residues. After initial cleaning, soak in warm water and dish soap for several hours. Rinse meticulously until no residue or odor remains. Air dry completely.
Drainage is critical, especially for bongs, which typically lack drainage holes and can lead to waterlogging and root rot. While pebbles or activated charcoal are sometimes suggested, this method does not provide true drainage; water accumulates. For optimal plant health, drilling a drainage hole is the most effective solution. If drilling is not feasible, select plants tolerating consistently moist conditions or use a highly porous, fast-draining soil mix, though root issue risks remain elevated.
Choosing the Right Plants and Soil
Selecting appropriate plants for a bong planter requires considering their size, growth habit, and environmental needs, given the limited space. Small, slow-growing plants with compact root systems are ideal, as they won’t quickly outgrow the confined environment or become root-bound.
Suitable Plant Types
Succulents: Echeveria or Haworthia thrive in drier conditions, easier to manage in non-draining containers with careful watering.
Small, humidity-loving ferns: Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) or Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.) work well, especially if the bong creates a humid microclimate.
Pothos cuttings: Can root and grow in water or minimal soil, adapting to various conditions.
Air plants (Tillandsia): Do not require soil and can be placed inside the bong, deriving moisture and nutrients from the air.
The soil mix is equally important, emphasizing excellent drainage and aeration; amend a general-purpose potting mix with materials like perlite, coarse sand, or pumice improving porosity. For succulents and cacti, a specialized fast-draining mix is essential.
Planting and Ongoing Care
When planting, carefully add a small, evenly distributed layer of soil mix to the bong. Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot, avoiding root damage, position it carefully within the bong. Once in place, gradually add more soil around the root ball, lightly tamping to remove air pockets without excessive compaction.
After planting, provide an initial watering, but be cautious to avoid overwatering, especially if the bong lacks a drainage hole; moisten the soil thoroughly without creating standing water. For subsequent watering, allow the top inch or two of soil to dry completely before watering again, typically every 1-3 weeks depending on plant type.
Light requirements for bong planters are similar to typical houseplants; most thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, as it can overheat the glass and scorch leaves. If partially enclosed, the bong may create a humid environment, benefiting ferns; succulents prefer lower humidity. Fertilization should be minimal to prevent nutrient burn.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Root rot is a frequent challenge, arising from consistently waterlogged soil; symptoms include yellowing or wilting leaves, a foul odor, and soft, mushy stems or roots. To address it, immediately remove the plant, trim affected roots, and repot into fresh, drier soil.
Mold growth can occur on the soil surface or plant parts in overly humid or poorly ventilated conditions. Improve air circulation by occasionally removing any covering or placing the planter in a breezier location, and allow the soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings to deter mold. In severe cases, gently scrape off the mold and apply a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to the soil surface.
Pest infestations, such as fungus gnats, are often linked to persistently damp soil. Reduce watering frequency and ensure the soil dries out between applications to mitigate fungus gnat populations; beneficial nematodes or sticky traps can also help control them. For other pests like spider mites or mealybugs, isolate the affected plant and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
Nutrient deficiencies might manifest as discolored leaves or stunted growth. Since bong planters hold a small soil volume, nutrients can deplete over time; if a plant shows deficiency, a very light application of a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer can replenish nutrients. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to nutrient burn, characterized by crispy leaf edges, due to limited flushing in a non-draining container.